14 Reasons for Compounding Drugs
Out of
The Medical Formulary of al Samarqandi
The following is taken from The medical Formulary of al Samarqandi. In the introduction of the text he gives a number of usueful pieces of information, including the reason for Compounding Drugs; that is, the reason for using compounds of multiple drugs instead of relying on a single drug.
This is useful information as it give a number of differing reasons for combining of drugs and therefore both helps better understand traditional formulas, as well as enhancing the skills necessary to be able to write a good formula.
Some of the points are a little obscure, and this may be as a result of the translation. Neverthless, it is worthwhile noting the various effects that can be achieved by the good combination of medicines.
Out of
The Medical Formulary of al Samarqandi
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‘There are reasons which compel one to compound [drugs] in the absence of a simple which would attain the desired goal. It is partly because of the aspect of the nature of sickness and disease, partly because of the state of the organs, and partly because of the drug. For the use of compounded drugs there are fourteen reasons“. |
This is useful information as it give a number of differing reasons for combining of drugs and therefore both helps better understand traditional formulas, as well as enhancing the skills necessary to be able to write a good formula.
Some of the points are a little obscure, and this may be as a result of the translation. Neverthless, it is worthwhile noting the various effects that can be achieved by the good combination of medicines.
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Text One of them is due to the extent of the ill humor if there is no drug opposite to it in its strength. It is then compounded from one which is stronger in the quantity of its [humor] with one which is less so. From these a blend is put together to resist that ill-humor. The second is concerned with the strength and acuteness of the illness when there is no single drug which can resist it. It is then compounded so that the constituents may assist one another in resistance. Thirdly, there are the differences in the state of the disease and associated circumstances, and its treatment; a drug is unknown which [by itself] performs opposite actions like absorbing9 and bringing up in chest ailments, and the freeing and hindering of tumors so that one must be compounded. Fourth is a basic one, a means to counteract many poisons and different ailments. This is the noblest of compounded ones because it protects one from constriction with a strength superior to the strength of any simple. The effectiveness is due to the presence of its simples. The fifth has to do with the remoteness of the ailing organ from the stomach. It is compounded with a drug which is useful for it and [with one which] makes it reach [the organ] quickly as Saffron with Camphor and Chinese Cinnamon with Hematite. The sixth concerns the strength and importance of the organ and its size and functions. A drug is mixed to dissolve tumors and to ease [at the same time] the properties which lessen [a drug’s] effectiveness to act as a restraining remedy. The seventh relates to the unsavoriness of the drug and its disagreeableness until it is improved to the point of acceptability by nature. The eighth has to do with the increase of potency of a drug as in mixing Ginger with Turpeth. The ninth protects some organs against the harmfulness of a drug as by correctives with purgatives The tenth is the inadequacy of a drug like Gum Arabic in the collyrium of Verdigris. The eleventh concerns the destruction of the evil [property] of a drug as mixing Castoreum with Opium. The twelfth is for keeping the strength of the compounded drug for a long time as in mixing Opium with the major electuaries. The thirteenth is concerned with the difference of drugs in their sizes and usages in the desired direction as mixing a qïrûti unguent with the essentials in poultices. The fourteenth is the need of a single useful remedy for the illness as in mixing the unguent with verdigris to form an effective drug for wounds when there are no drugs good for wounds. |
Comment This suggests of combining stronger and weaker medicines together to achieve the desired result. The second mentions the combination of opposing forces which cannot be found in a single drug. The disease has different aspects which require different or oppsoite action. The combination of different medicines can have a broader range of effect against Poisons or complex diseases. Medicines can be used to either guide or quicken the drug’s effect. These are enhancing medicines that increase efficacy. This suggests using medicines to support an organ or functions to enhance effectiveness of the primary intent. Using pleasanrt medicines to mollify bad tasting medicines. Such as Aniseed with Wormwood. Warming medicines and Spices can often be used to enhance the effect of drugs. Correctives help reduce harmful effects of harsh drugs. ie. Mastic with Scammony. Using a little strong medicine to enhance a mild medicine. Another type of Correction, where an unwanted effect or toxin is moderated. Helping enhance the long-term efficacy of a compound. Probably refers to the use of guiding drugs? The addition of a medicine which helps treat all varieties of an illness. |